Timber

This topic is an epidemic, and affects every acre of forest worldwide. The most talked about region would be the Redwood Forest which is home to the oldest and largest species of trees, the Redwood. These statements and opinions will do their best to save Americas most ancient organisms and help “California’s tree” remain untouched by any saw blade or fingerprint. These ancient forests have been manipulated for too long, and now is the time to hear the voices that will have the greatest impact towards the next move to protecting them.

Are too many Redwoods being cut down in the U.S.? According to the National Arbor Association, more than half of the “Redwood population in California has been cut down since 1958.” The regulations today do provide protection for most areas of the Redwood population, but some places are open to processing for expensive furniture and flooring. This precious tree takes thousands of years to grow and is an endangered species.

Slaughtering the population of Redwood has many negatives. Redwood trees are some of the largest producers of oxygen and homes for all sorts of ecosystems. Destroying these giants will also kill many animals that depend on them as homes and shelter. According to the National Wildlife Department, more than 68% of all living animals rely on forests and trees for homes and making nests. Forests are our main contributors to wildlife and ecosystems; cutting them down tears more life down with it.

In addition, deforestation not only destroys other life forms, but also the magnificent beauty of nature and wildlife. This world is already too developed by highways and building, and we need to save the little wilderness there is left. According to Martha Dehorja, we have already cut down more than “51% of major forests in the U.S. And this number is only climbing as new structures and roads are being built every day.” Of course roads and building have positives too, but is it really worth the destruction of our natural planet?

Many state parks across the U.S. have protected major forest regions for centuries, but many other areas are left unprotected. This allows any logger or civilian to go through and cut down whatever they want, but not all cutting is a bad thing. According to Betsy Bruger, a national arbor scientist and forester, there is much to be done in the forest that can help it grow.” Not all harvesting is bad for forests, and can make ecosystems flourish by weeding out the dead.” This is true, and cutting out old growth from forests helps maintain the healthier trees so they can grow. Although many people believe that harvesting any tree is harmful and that nature should just be allowed to run its course, University of Oregon’s lead surveyor says:” All we’re doing is helping the trees along. We don’t cause any harm to the growth and genetics of the trees. A little clearing now and then only helps the young blooms to grow back bigger and healthier.” Can’t everyone just agree to disagree? Well, that’s much easier said than done.

Over 35% of all forests are overpopulated with old growth trees. These dead trees take space and sunlight from healthier trees trying to grow. This can lead to a “dead forest” and spread old growth much faster than new trees trying to grow. According to University of New England’s arbor harvest programs, students and teachers claim that it is a “MUST to harvest old growth trees from an environment. If nothing is done forests will tend to be overpopulated with rotting trees, and will deprive any young buds from collecting nutrient rich soil and sunlight to be able to grow.” What is the most humane way to do this?

Countless arguments persist about the noisy chainsaws and pollution they cause, but we can’t pull them from the ground with our bear hands. When something good must be done there is always a negative factor according to Daniel Westwood, of Connecticut Natural Resource Committee. “We just try to do our jobs and make sure things are done with the best of our ability. The resources we have will never be perfect, and neither will the lands that produce them. Our jobs are much harder than they look, and if anyone thinks wildlife protection and development is easy are downright wrong.” A lot of harm can be done from not knowing what you’re doing, and out there in nature it is so important to be careful. Deforestation and slaughtering of forests are done out of misjudgment most of the time, but there is always your typical logger that just doesn’t give a hoot and only sees the dollar signs.

Fellow classmates weren’t afraid to state their opinion. About 75% of the class of 22 said that all forest regions should ban any type of harvesting. Another question asking what makes ancient forests like the Redwoods so important to conserve? Over 82% of the class said for reasons other than harvesting and production means. There are many perspectives from this argument, but most people feel that there is no need to cut down these ancient trees that we all have the privilege to see. People must also understand that many corporations and logging industries live off of the harvesting of wood and cutting down forests. Everyone must make a living one way or another, and sometimes doing what not everyone supports is the way it has to be. The same could be said about meat production and the slaughtering of animals, it’s all a matter of opinion and if the positives outweigh the negatives.

Whether it’s the Redwood forest or the woods outside your house, there are many factors that play a role in protecting it. Also, many factors that play a role in destroying it, and nobody will ever be completely satisfied. We all have to just do our best to taking care of what we have and how we want the future to look. It may sound insane, but to some a concrete glazed world of buildings and roads will make life easier. To some all they want is for the wilderness to be left alone like nature intended, and there is nothing wrong with either preference.

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